Session Coach (Level 1) Award: Guidance for Learners
Updated December 2025
Welcome
Our ambition is to develop people who really enjoy being a coach and who provide meaningful experiences to those they work with.
This guide describes the Session Coach (Level 1) award and how to achieve it. Please read this before enrolling onto any associated coach training events.
The award is designed using a modular approach, making it clear what topics are covered and providing flexibility for learners.
We hope you find studying for this award enjoyable, that it has an impact on the coaching you provide, and that you choose to continue your development as a coach.
1. About the Award
Type of Award
The Session Coach award is currently a non-regulated qualification. The associated certificates of attendance and completion are issued by Archery Manager as the coaching development body for the sport.
Who the Course Is For
This award is designed for:
- People who are new to coaching
- Existing coaches who are new to coaching beginners
- Existing coaches seeking formal recognition
The award is ideal for individuals wanting to deliver beginners courses or sessions for new archers in a club environment.
Entry Requirements
To attend the training, you must:
- Be a minimum of 15 years old. If you are under 18, you need to be supervised by an adult whilst coaching, both during training and after achieving the award
- Have previous experience of taking part in archery. This experience should give you an understanding of safety in archery and good basic knowledge of technique
- Organise your own Supported Practice (see below)
Modular Learning
The award is divided into six modules that are completed separately. Learning is blended, meaning some delivery takes place online and other aspects are practical (on an archery range). Every module is delivered live by a Coach Developer and is fully interactive.
Supported Practice
Supported Practice is when a coach practises in their own time, which counts towards achievement of the award.
For the Session Coach (Level 1) award, you need to arrange and complete 12 hours of Supported Practice before starting the “Supported Practice and Coach Presentation” module.
For example, helping to deliver sessions for beginners at a local club can count towards your Supported Practice hours.
Resources
You will be provided with access to the Archery Manager Learning Platform to support you in achieving this award. This replaces a traditional printed manual.
Assessment
To successfully complete each module, you need to complete specific tasks which are assessed by a Coach Developer. Tasks are completed in your own time, away from the training sessions.
We are looking for you to apply what you have learned from the training. The Coach Developer will fully explain how the tasks are to be completed.
Achievement
The award is achieved when all modules are successfully completed, including the assessment tasks. You will receive a certificate upon completion.
Time Restriction
You have two years to successfully complete all six modules, starting from the date of the first module.
2. Modular Learning: Module Breakdown
We highly recommend completing the modules in the order listed below.
Module 1: Starting Your Coaching Journey
Delivery: Online (2 sessions x 2 hours each)
Being a coach is a learning journey where we adapt and refine our skills by learning from experience. This module identifies simple yet essential skills for coaches, including how to use reflection and feedback to take action towards improvement.
Module 2: Empowering Archery – Part 1
Delivery: Online (2 sessions x 2 hours each)
Empowering Archery focuses on how to optimise people’s experiences of archery and help them achieve their goals.
Module 3: Introduction to Technique
Delivery: Online (2 sessions x 2 hours each)
Every archer knows that learning good shooting technique early on creates a happy and healthy experience of archery. From a coach’s perspective, understanding the basics of shooting form and teaching these to beginners from the first session is crucial.
Module 4: Creating Engaging Sessions
Delivery: Online (2 sessions x 2 hours each)
Coaching offers an opportunity to give new people to our sport something increasingly missing from day-to-day life: a sense of achievement, development, and connection alongside health benefits. This happens purposefully, not by accident. This module explores how to create sessions that meet your audience’s needs.
Module 5: Using Your Coaching Skills
Delivery: Practical (1 day)
This module helps you apply what you have learnt, with a focus on using drills and skills to improve the quality of practice for beginners.
Module 6: Supported Practice and Coach Presentation
Delivery: Practical (1 day)
You should practise your coaching throughout the course (for example at your club). It is important to pick a local mentor to provide support throughout this process: someone trustworthy and experienced.
After completing your 12 hours of Supported Practice, you return for the final day to deliver a sample coaching session with peers. We are not expecting perfection as this is about learning. We are looking for you to apply what you have learned from the other modules.
Important Notes:
- You must have completed 12 hours of Supported Practice before this module begins
- This module is completed after all other modules have been finished
- Online modules are delivered live and are interactive
- Practical training is delivered in person on the range
3. Resources for Learners
Our resources for coaches are now digital.
Archery Manager Learning Platform
There is no printed resource manual. Instead, you receive access to the Archery Manager Learning Platform, an online community for coaches, judges, and club volunteers.
By joining, you can expect:
- A community of people with similar roles and shared goals
- Friendly discussion, with opportunities to learn from each other and connect with staff
- Varied resources on topics that matter to you, including course-specific materials
- New content added regularly in different media formats
The platform is available on desktop and mobile devices.
4. Being Recognised to Coach
Why You Need a Coach Licence
It is important to hold an Archery Manager Coaching Licence, as only licensed coaches are officially recognised. This demonstrates to those you coach and others that you:
- Have completed a recent criminal disclosure (DBS or PVG)
- Have completed child protection awareness training
- Have achieved a recognised coaching award
- Are actively engaged in continued learning and keeping knowledge and skills up to date
- Are actively coaching
- Are a member of Archery Manager
These qualities are important for maintaining good standards of coaching.
How to Become Licensed
Alongside achievement of the Session Coach (Level 1) award, you can take the small extra step to become licensed.
Child Protection Awareness Training
As part of the “Supported Practice and Coach Presentation” module, you need to provide evidence of having completed child protection awareness training within the last year (e.g., certificate of attendance).
There are many suitable courses available; where possible we recommend interactive face-to-face learning rather than online:
- UK Coaching Safeguarding and Child Protection Course (interactive face-to-face)
- NSPCC Child Protection Training (online)
Training provided by schools, local authorities, and other reputable organisations may also be acceptable.
Note: Coaches under 18 are not required to complete a child protection course due to sensitive topics discussed. An age-appropriate alternative will be provided.
Criminal Disclosure (DBS/PVG)
It is not necessary to complete a criminal record disclosure to do the training. However, those intending to become a licensed coach will need to complete one.
After achieving the award, you will receive details about how to complete a DBS/PVG disclosure.
Note: Coaches under 18 are not required to complete a DBS/PVG check.
Coach Licence Renewal
On satisfactory receipt of disclosure, you are issued with a coach licence valid for 3 years. During this time, you need to evidence coaching activity and engagement in continued learning to ensure your licence can be renewed.
Supervision of Under-18 Coaches
If you are under 18 when you achieve this award and gain a Coach Licence, you are required to be directly supervised by a legally responsible supervisor who is 18 or above when coaching. It is recommended that this person is also a registered coach.
5. Support
Learners with a Disability or Difficulty
We encourage people of all abilities to coach and cater for reasonable adjustments.
General Support
If you need support to make training more comfortable or accessible, please provide details on your learner application form or contact us ahead of training. It is your responsibility to notify us as soon as possible of any support needed. Failing to do so may mean specific support cannot be provided.
Reasonable Adjustments
We endeavour to ensure there are no unnecessary barriers to training or assessment. Reasonable adjustments are arrangements made prior to delivery to reduce the effect of a disability or difficulty that places you at a substantial disadvantage.
These arrangements relate to assessment for those with a permanent, long-term, or temporary disability, learning difficulty, illness, or indisposition.
Some adjustments require preparation time; therefore, we need to determine your particular needs early. It is important that requests are made through the correct procedure and as early as possible. We may be unable to accommodate requests made after the course starts or directly to the Coach Developer on the day.
Procedure:
- Stage 1: You submit a request
- Stage 2: We evaluate the request
- Stage 3: The request is accepted or rejected
For the request form and full process, visit www.archerymanager.com/coaching
Examples of previous adjustments:
- Extra time to complete assessment tasks
- Adaptation of learning materials
- Additional support person
- Use of a scribe
Do I Have to Be Able to Shoot?
Question: Can I train to be a coach even though I am not physically able to shoot?
Answer: Yes! Coaches need good knowledge of the sport and understanding of technique, but they do not have to be able to shoot.
6. Code of Conduct
Coaching archery, whether employed or voluntary, is a rewarding and responsible role. The sporting community has expectations of coaches’ conduct and behaviour which must be understood and supported.
The Archery Manager Code of Conduct for Coaches, Judges and Officials defines appropriate behaviour and underpins this course. Please read this code in full; it is available at www.archerymanager.com.
7. If You Are Unsatisfied
Making a Complaint
If you are dissatisfied with any part of your training, please talk to us first. By discussing your concern with course staff or head office, issues can usually be resolved swiftly.
You can initiate your complaint verbally, in writing, or by email. If required, you may be asked to submit your complaint formally.
Your complaint will be reviewed and, if it cannot be swiftly resolved or is particularly serious, we will refer it to be dealt with using our Disciplinary Policy and Procedures, available at www.archerymanager.com.
Appealing an Assessment Decision
If you feel you have been unfairly assessed, you can seek redress through our appeal procedure. The Learner Assessment Appeals Process is available from the coaching pages at www.archerymanager.com.
8. Terms and Conditions
Entry Requirements
- You must be a minimum of 15 years old by the first day of training
- Members and non-members are permitted to attend
- You must undertake Supported Practice outside of the course, usually in a club environment but permitted in non-affiliated environments
- When undertaking Supported Practice, you must follow the Rules of Shooting at all times
- If under 18, you must be supervised by a legally responsible adult and experienced member during Supported Practice
- It is your sole responsibility to organise your own Supported Practice
- Once qualified, if under 18, you must be directly supervised by a legally responsible supervisor who is 18 or above when coaching
Application and Payment
- Modules are organised by a designated Course Organiser (staff or local volunteer)
- The Course Organiser sets the price and manages the application process
- You must complete the booking form and pay in full before the closing date
- Payment methods acceptable should be confirmed with the Course Organiser
Cancellation Policy
- To cancel a booking, full or partial charges may apply due to non-refundable organisational costs
- Refund decisions are the responsibility of the Course Organiser
- Transfers to another course are not permitted
- If a course is cancelled at short notice, you will be contacted and offered a refund or opportunity to attend a rearranged course
Civil Liability Insurance
- Insurance is provided for both member and non-member learners during training, Supported Practice, and practical assessments
- Cover only applies to registered learners
- All learner coaches must be supervised by an experienced member or licensed coach when undertaking Supported Practice
- Clubs may permit trainee coaches to undertake Supported Practice within their environment at their discretion
Supervision of Supported Practice
- Individuals training for the award must be supervised by an experienced member or licensed coach when completing Supported Practice
- Supervisors working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults are recommended to have completed an enhanced DBS/PVG disclosure
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct for Coaches, Judges and Officials applies to anyone carrying out a coaching role, both within and outside the club environment.
Data Statement
When you register for an event, information is collected by the Course Organiser and shared with us. This may include name, date of birth, address, email, phone number, disability, ethnicity, awards, award history, and checks undertaken. This is used to record course achievement, licence attainment, and to create licence renewal invitations.
Further information can be found at www.archerymanager.com
Contact Information
Archery Manager Head Office
General Enquiries:
Email: enquiries@archerymanager.com
Online:
www.archerymanager.com
@archerymanager
Thank you for choosing to develop your coaching skills with Archery Manager. We look forward to supporting you on your coaching journey.
